Systems Advocacy

The statewide systems advocacy network is a group of eighteen independent living centers throughout the state which coordinate and collaborate with other disability organizations to ensure that legislation affecting people with disabilities is introduced, passed by the legislature and signed by the governor.

The group relies on volunteers using an email “action alert” system to bring action in force on hot issues – like bills stuck in committee or ready for a vote. Our Systems Advocate notifies volunteers by email to take immediate action on a particular issue. Proposed action can be a telephone call to a legislator, sign on to a petition seeking action, sending a letter or email to someone in government about legislation pending. We also make several trips to Albany a year and encourage all of our volunteers to be a part in all of these activities.

2009 Legislative Priorities:
1. Incorporate the housing provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act into state law. S.1533 (Morahan) of 2009

2. Establish standards for “visitability” in State law to require all newly constructed single-family houses, townhouses and ground-floor units of duplexes and triplexes built with public funds to be made accessible. S.1499 (DeFrancisco) of 2009

3. Shift state funding away from sheltered employment programs to more integrated options, with the goal of eventually phasing out State sheltered programs completely

4. Incorporate Title II of ADA into NYS Human Rights Law. A.781-B (Paulin)and S.5396 (Huntley) of 2009

5. Waive the State’s sovereign immunity to claims under the ADA and Section 504. A.3651 (Lifton) and S.2833 (Krueger) of 2009

6. Establish a definition and standard for physical restraint in public schools. Require documentation by the school and written notification to the parent when restraint is used. A.1862 (Nolan) of 2009

7. Require transportation service providers, such as taxis, limousines and shuttle services, to purchase accessible vehicles or otherwise ensure that they have the capacity to serve people with disabilities. A.5549 (Titus) and S.4011 (Morahan) of 2009

8. Amend state Social Services Law Section 384-b to eliminate subdivisions (4)(c) and (6)(a-e), which permit termination of parental rights on the basis of mental illness or mental retardation. S. 2835 (Huntley) and A.6668 (Rivera) of 2009

9. Eliminate provisions in Section 4-104 (1-a) of the NYS Election Law allowing waiver of polling place accessibility requirements. Require polling places to comply with ADA accessibility guidelines and ensure access surveys are conducted at all polling places. Require election workers to receive mandatory training in disability etiquette and use of Ballot Marking Devices (BMD). S.1058 (Addabbo) and A. 584 (Cahill) of 2009

10. Ensure that all individuals with disabilities have the right to choose and receive services in the most integrated setting. Establish a presumption that community-based services are more appropriate than institutional or segregated settings. Require all State agencies to promote such integration through a plan and annual report. A.5112 (Destito) and S.3265 (Griffo) of 2009

Updates on Legislative Priorities:

July 20, 2009: NYS Senate Passes 2 Bills

S.5396 (Huntley) Incorporate Title II of ADA into NYS Human Rights Law Title II provides protections against discrimination on the basis of disability in services provided by public entities, including state and local governments. This bill clarifies the scope of protections against discrimination on the basis of disability by these entities, including in the provision of services, programs and activities. The Assembly version of this bill, A.781-B (Paulin) passed the Assembly on May 11th as part of the Disability Awareness Day package.

S.1058 (Addabbo) – Poll Site Access Bill will require all poll sites to comply with the accessibility guidelines of the ADA . It also eliminates the practice of granting waivers for inaccessible sites. The Assembly version of this bill, A. 584 (Cahill), also passed the Assembly on May 11th as part of the Disability Awareness Day package.

To sign up as a volunteer to receive Action Alerts, click here: email Susan Stockburger